It’s a fascinating look into the typically dark and mysterious corner of math that most adults shy away from. But Strogatz shines a light with enthusiasm and clarity that makes the writing and ideas sing. It’s one of the most approachable and fascinating things I’ve read all year, and I highly suggest you take a read, whether or not you’ve any competency for math.

(Aside: I strongly recommend reading Frank’s thoughts here on what he calls SurveyCasts, or high-quality, narrative introductions to broad topics. I would pay for these. For example, I’ve linked to them several times, but the Planet Money team at NPR produces what might be called a SurveyCast of economics or politics or both. Any other examples out there?)